There were many sad faces on the Pittsburgh Steelers sideline on Sunday night, but perhaps no one was more moved than Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger, however, was not upset just because he fell to the Cleveland Browns 48-37 brutally in his AFC wild-card clash.
He was sad because he felt he had left Maurkice Pouncey at the center for a long time.
“I’m sorry, brother. You’re the only reason I wanted to do that, man, ”a tearful Roethlisberger told Pouncey on the sideline after the game, via NFL Films. “Oh, I feel worse for you than for me. I hate it, man. “
Although Roethlisberger launched for 501 yards in Sunday’s defeat, he also made four interceptions and led the Steelers to a quick 28-0 hole. He and Pouncey fought immediately, too, disrupting their opening snap, which was recovered in the end zone for a Browns touchdown.
Pouncey, Roethlisberger considering retirement
Neither Roethlisberger nor Pouncey announced their retirement, however, both are nearing the end of their careers.
Based on your emotional conversation at the bank on Sunday night, this could be right there.
Pouncey ended his tenth season in the league, during which he spent throwing the ball to Roethlisberger. Reports from Pittsburgh and his conversation with Roethlisberger before leaving the field certainly make it look like Pouncey is going to quit the game soon.
To be clear, I did not report that @MaurkicePouncey is officially retiring. I reported that it certainly looked like he was retiring. He will make this official announcement on his own. That was part of my 10 thoughts on yesterday’s game.
– Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) January 11, 2021
Roethlisberger, 38, has been in Pittsburgh since 2004. He said after the defeat that he is not yet ready to make a decision about his future.
“It will start between me and God, a lot of prayer. Lots of conversation with my family, discussions, decisions. I still have another year of contract, “he said.” I hope the Steelers want me back, if so. There will be many discussions. But now is not the time for that.
“This loss is recent. It is just sitting in our hearts and minds now. It will stay for a while.”
More from Yahoo Sports: